Brian Barton
Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid that is one of the most abundant elements in the Earth's crust. It is present in over 200 minerals, the most common of which is arsenopyrite. Arsenic is released into the environment through natural processes such as volcanic activity, as well as human activities like mining, metal smelting, and burning fossil fuels. Arsenic pollution primarily affects air, water, and soil, with contaminated drinking water being the greatest threat to public health. Long-term exposure to arsenic has been linked to various health issues, including cancer, skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sources of arsenic pollution | Volcanic activity, coal-fired power plants, burning vegetation, mining, metal smelting, burning of fossil fuels, industrial manufacturing, hide tanning, pesticides, feed additives, pharmaceuticals, and wood preservatives |
| Arsenic in the environment | Naturally occurring in the Earth's crust, groundwater, air, water, and land |
| Toxicity | Inorganic arsenic is more toxic than organic arsenic; inorganic arsenic is a confirmed carcinogen and is the most significant chemical contaminant in drinking water globally |
| Health effects | Long-term exposure to arsenic from drinking water and food can cause cancer, skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes; in utero and early childhood exposure has been linked to negative impacts on cognitive development and increased mortality in young adults |
| Exposure pathways | Ingesting contaminated water or food, smoking tobacco, occupational environment, and air pollution |
| Prevention | Provision of a safe water supply, reducing arsenic exposure from environmental factors |
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What You'll Learn
Arsenic in drinking water
Arsenic is a metalloid and a naturally occurring element that is one of the most abundant elements in the Earth's crust. It is present in more than 200 different minerals, the most common of which is arsenopyrite. Arsenic is also produced commercially from arsenic trioxide, a by-product of metal smelting operations.
Arsenic is a significant contaminant in drinking water, with inorganic arsenic compounds being highly toxic. Inorganic arsenic is naturally present at high levels in the groundwater of several countries, including Argentina, Bangladesh, India, China, and the United States. Volcanic activity and human activities such as mining and industrial processes contribute to arsenic contamination in water.
The greatest threat to public health from arsenic comes from contaminated groundwater used for drinking, food preparation, and irrigation of food crops. Long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water can cause serious health issues, including skin lesions, skin cancer, bladder cancer, and lung cancer. It has also been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The immediate symptoms of acute arsenic poisoning include vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea.
To reduce exposure to arsenic in drinking water, individuals can use a home water treatment system or alternate water sources. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States has set a federal drinking water standard of 10 micrograms per liter (µg/L) for arsenic, and efforts are being made to reduce arsenic concentrations in water supplies.
Additionally, it is important to be aware of other sources of arsenic exposure, such as ingested foods grown in arsenic-contaminated soil or irrigated with contaminated water, as well as occupational and industrial environments.
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Arsenic in food
Arsenic is a metalloid and a naturally occurring element that is one of the most abundant in the Earth's crust. It is present in over 200 different minerals, the most common of which is arsenopyrite. Arsenic is also produced commercially from arsenic trioxide, a by-product of metal smelting operations.
Arsenic is a significant risk factor for cancer after exposure to contaminated drinking water, cigarettes, foods, industry, and air. It is highly toxic in its inorganic form and is a confirmed carcinogen. Inorganic arsenic compounds are highly toxic, while organic arsenic compounds, such as those found in seafood, are less harmful to health. The greatest threat to public health from arsenic comes from contaminated groundwater, which is used for drinking, food preparation, and irrigation of food crops. Arsenic from contaminated water can be quickly and easily absorbed and may adversely affect human health depending on its metabolic form.
Food crops grown in arsenic-contaminated soil or irrigated with arsenic-contaminated water can contain arsenic. Arsenic can also enter food during processing, for example when contaminated water is added to food or when processing aids for filtering juices contain arsenic. Fish, shellfish, meat, poultry, dairy products, and cereals can be dietary sources of arsenic, although exposure from these foods is generally much lower compared to exposure through contaminated groundwater.
The FDA monitors and regulates arsenic levels in foods, including dietary supplements and cosmetics. The FDA works with manufacturers to resolve issues and takes steps to prevent unsafe products from entering or remaining in the US market. The FDA has issued guidance to manufacturers to not exceed certain inorganic arsenic levels in infant rice cereals and apple juice, although these are recommendations and not legally enforceable limits.
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Arsenic in the air
Arsenic is a metalloid and a natural component of the Earth's crust. It is present in the air, water, and land. Arsenic is released into the atmosphere through high-temperature processes, such as coal-fired power plants, burning vegetation, and volcanic activity. It is also released through low-temperature biological reactions involving microbes in the soil and sediments, which produce arsine gas or other volatile arsenic compounds. Arsine gas reacts with oxygen in the air and is converted back into non-volatile forms of arsenic, which then settle back to the ground.
Arsenic is also introduced into the air through industrial processes such as metal smelting and the burning of fossil fuels. The use of arsenic-containing pesticides and the preservation of timber have also contributed to arsenic contamination in the environment.
The presence of arsenic in airborne particulate matter is a risk factor for certain diseases. It can attach to very small particles in the air, remain suspended for many days, and travel long distances. Inhaling contaminated air is a significant source of arsenic exposure, particularly in areas with industrial activity.
Inorganic arsenic, which is the form found in water, is highly toxic and a confirmed carcinogen. It is the most significant chemical contaminant in drinking water globally. Organic arsenic, which is found in seafood, is less harmful to health. However, it is important to note that arsenic exposure through inhalation is considered a minor route for the general population but a major route for occupational workers in industries.
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Arsenic in tobacco
Arsenic is a metalloid and a natural component of the Earth's crust. It is present in more than 200 different minerals, the most common of which is arsenopyrite. Arsenic is released into the atmosphere through natural processes such as volcanic activity and biological reactions involving microbes. It can also be released through industrial activities such as coal-fired power plants, metal smelting, and the burning of fossil fuels.
Tobacco plants can absorb arsenic from the soil, and tobacco smoke contains arsenic that is inhaled with each puff. The presence of arsenic in tobacco smoke is a significant health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that tobacco manufacturers test cured tobacco for levels of arsenic, among other metals and metalloids. This is due to the established link between arsenic exposure and adverse health effects, particularly for smokers.
Inorganic arsenic, the form commonly found in water and tobacco, is highly toxic and has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Smoking can hinder the body's ability to eliminate arsenic, leading to higher arsenic levels in the body and subsequent damage to cells. Studies have found a strong association between arsenic exposure and lung and bladder cancer, especially in smokers.
The potential for elevated arsenic exposure in tobacco was much greater in the past when tobacco plants were treated with lead arsenate insecticide. Today, tobacco plants are mostly cultivated in conditions with lower arsenic contamination, although some plants, particularly those used for illicit products, may still be grown in arsenic-rich soils or treated with arsenical pesticides.
Quitting smoking and tobacco use is the most effective way to eliminate arsenic exposure from these sources.
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Arsenic in industry
Arsenic is a metalloid and a chemical element with the symbol As and atomic number 33. It is a naturally occurring element, present in the Earth's crust, and is the 20th most abundant component therein. It is also found in rocks, soils, water, air, biological materials, and as an impurity in metallic ores and mineral deposits.
Arsenic is used in a variety of industrial applications. It is used as an alloying agent, in the processing of glass, pigments, textiles, paper, metal adhesives, and ammunition. Arsenic is also used in the hide tanning process, pesticides, feed additives, and pharmaceuticals. Arsenic is critical to defence applications, telecommunications, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The electronics industry uses arsenic to make gallium-arsenic semiconductors for use in cell phones, solar panels, and aerospace research. Arsenic is also used in glassmaking and to harden metal alloys in car batteries, solders, and bearings.
The primary use of arsenic is in alloys of lead, such as in car batteries and ammunition. Arsenic is also a common n-type dopant in semiconductor electronic devices and a component of the III–V compound semiconductor gallium arsenide. Arsenic and its compounds, especially the trioxide, are used in the production of pesticides, treated wood products, herbicides, and insecticides. Arsenic is used in wood treatment due to its resistance to rotting and decay.
Arsenic is released into the atmosphere primarily as arsenic trioxide, which is produced as a byproduct of metal smelting operations. Arsenic trioxide can be purified onsite or sold to a refinery. High-temperature processes such as coal-fired power plants, burning vegetation, and volcanic activity contribute to arsenic contamination in the air. The burning of fossil fuels, mining, and metal smelting are major industrial processes that contribute to arsenic contamination in the air, water, and soil.
Technologies exist for arsenic removal, including oxidation, coagulation-precipitation, absorption, ion exchange, and membrane techniques. There are also low-cost options for removing arsenic from small or household supplies.
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Frequently asked questions
Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid that is one of the most abundant elements in the Earth's crust. Arsenic pollution refers to the contamination of air, water, and soil by arsenic.
Arsenic pollution is caused by both natural and human activities. Natural sources of arsenic include volcanic activity and the burning of vegetation. Human activities that contribute to arsenic pollution include mining, metal smelting, and the burning of fossil fuels.
Arsenic pollution can adversely affect human health in several ways. Long-term exposure to arsenic from contaminated drinking water, food, and cigarettes can cause cancer, skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Inorganic arsenic, which is found in water, is highly toxic and a confirmed carcinogen.
